On The Road at the Tour of Britain: We thought Bradley Wiggins might stop to personally thank fans for coming out

For the Tour of Britain this year Martin hands over to Team Sky DS Servais Knaven, who is reporting from inside Team Sky’s XF Sportbrake on developments during the race.

Sir Bradley Wiggins tops the podium (GRAHAM WATSON)

What a week it’s been! Driving rain in Scotland, stunning scenery in Wales and Yorkshire, and the amazing experience of racing through London. All the way through, the racing has been fierce. We expected stiff competition from the other UCI World Tour teams like Garmin and Cannondale, but I have to say Chapeau to the domestic teams that have been racing here. The level of motivation they have approached this race with has been awe-inspiring, and quite right too. A special mention must go out to the likes of Simon Yates and Sam Bennett for their stages wins – both displays of real talent and some classy riding from both of them.

The Tour of Britain has really cemented itself as one of the top week long stage races for the season, and certainly not an ‘easy win’ for any team. All of the riders have been really thrilled with the level of support we have seen from the crowds braving some true British weather to make it out and cheer on the peloton. We sometimes think that Bradley is about to stop off during the race and personally thank people by the roadside for coming out – it really does mean that much to us. Bradley mentioned he had not seen anything like this level of support in the UK since the Tour de France in 2007, and it’s yet more evidence of the fact that Britain is one of the major players in our sport now.

I think it’s fair to say it’s been another rollercoaster year. We’re all looking forward to putting our bikes away for a couple of weeks come November and taking a well earned rest before we get back together in December and look to 2014. There’s already a lot to be excited about with Yorkshire 2014. Considering the level of support the Tour of Britain has had, I can’t even imagine what the Tour de France is going to be like. All I can say is I don’t think we’ll forget it in a hurry.

Finally a few thanks as well – especially to the people at Team Sky who don’t get recognised so much, such as all our teams of carers that work around the clock to ensure the riders never have to worry about a thing except their racing. Also to Soren, who produces meal upon meal of delicious food and manages to travel around the world’s kitchens whilst doing it! Not forgetting also the commercial, and logistics team and our partners, who keep the whole circus moving each year. Finally also to the riders. They keep managing to inspire us.